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Course description

This course will develop your technical and artistic skills so that you can explore a range of techniques and build a substantial
portfolio of work in Animation, Illustration and Games Design. You will study in a dedicated building fully equipped with the latest industry relevant resources, and taught by staff with a high degree of industry experience in their field. There will also
be the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals during the course, as well as the chance to get involved with community projects and competitions.

Course content

You will study five core units and twelve specialist units. The core units are:

Visual Recording in Art and Design

Materials, Techniques and Processes

Ideas and Concepts

Communication through Art and Design

Contextual Investigation in Art and Design

Specialist subjects may include:

Narrative Image Making

Character Design

Games Concept Art

3D Computer Modelling

2D, CGI & Stop Motion Animation

Computer Games Engines

Final Major Project.

During the course there will be cultural trips that relate to Animation, Illustration or Games Design. In recent years, second year students have had the opportunity to visit Berlin. You will get the chance to experience software such as: Adobe
Photoshop, Illustrator, Premier, Flash, AfterEffects, Maxon’s Cinema 4D, Mudbox and Computer Games Engines.

Entry requirements

To begin this course you will need a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above, including English Language; or alternatively, a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design (merit grade or above) with Functional Skills.

Entry is also subject to a successful interview, where you will need to show a portfolio of your existing work. This can include anything from GCSE art/design work to drawings you do at home. Any animation work would be good to see which can be
brought on a USB stick or viewed on YouTube.

Assessment

You will be assessed on a continual basis throughout the course. This is through the use of Sketchbooks either digital or traditional. At the end of your second year, you get the chance to work on your own self-directed project.

There will also be an examination for Functional Skills or GCSE, depending on your grades.

Financial information

This course could be free! You will be eligible if you are aged 19-24 on the 31st August of the year you are starting your course and are
actively seeking employment and in receipt of a means tested benefit (such as job seekers, housing benefit, council tax benefit). Please note you will need to be able to produce evidence of the benefit in your name when you come to enrol.

Future opportunities

On successful completion of this course you can progress on to studying a Higher National Diploma in Interactive
Media. Alternatively, you could consider applying for a university course in a relevant subject, or seek employment in a field
related to your subject specialism.

Further information

To take part in the course you will be required to pay an additional fee of £45 to cover the cost of trips/visits to galleries and/or exhibitions.
You will also be encouraged to buy books related to your specialism and appropriate equipment such as pens, pencils, USB sticks/external hard drives.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Bedford College directly.